Page 168 of Matteo

“I didn't do this,” I insist. “Someone is trying to make it look like I did.”

“You really think so?” He looks concerned, his gaze sweeping around the open plan office.

“I know so, and I'm determined to find out who.”

“Let me know if you need my help with anything.”

I give a derisive snort. “I don't have access to much, so this could take a while. Unless he fires me.”

Alex rests a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Just let me know if I can help. I'm only following orders.”

I examine his face carefully. At this point, I don't trust anyone. “I appreciate that, but it won't look good if you’re fraternizing with the enemy.” I glance over my shoulder to find Matteo staring at me.

Alex nods and walks away. I start to get to work. I need to look over logs, timelines, access windows and affected systems. That's just for a start. I want to see where my credentials were used, from which nodes, and whether there were privilege jumps or mirrored sessions.

I won't be able to do most of that with limited access, but I can make a start.

I glance around the office, watching everyone. They greeted me when I walked in. A few gave me knowing looks, and for a moment I wonder if they suspect the same thing that Matteo does.

Then it hits me.

It's not the investigation.

It's the fact that Matteo and I disappeared on vacation together and returned on the same day.

Our secret, if it ever was a secret, is out.

Everyone knows.

I was sleeping with the boss.

Not that it matters anymore.

It's almost the end of the day. I was determined to come in, because I needed to see Matteo's face. Needed to look into his eyes to see if he believed I was capable of this. He was.

Sonny passes by my desk. “Why bother coming in so late?” he asks.

“Had stuff to do.”

“Know what your problem is, Elizabeth?”

“Another problem?”

“You work too hard, and you look too serious.” He moves closer, lowers his voice. “What's going on? First Alex and the boss, then you and the boss. You all look like someone died. What's going down?”

I shrug. “Just vacation blues.”

He peers at me. “Don't believe you.”

“Trust me, there’s nothing to report. You're going home early,” I comment.

“It’s only thirty minutes early. I stayed late last night, so I'm leaving early today. See you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight.”

Sonny never stays late, neither does Joel. Seems I'm finding everyone's motives to be suspicious.

Just like Matteo.